As We See It” is a matter of true love for its creator, Jason Katims of “Friday Night Lights,” “Roswell,” and “Parenthood,” and it shows. Yes, his delightful Prime Video series is the latest in a long line of projects featuring characters or storylines centred on the autism spectrum, but it is the rare show that truly gets it right. At their core, the difficulties Jack, Harrison, and Violet face are rooted in common experiences.

as we see it amazon prime
ImageCredit: PrimeVideo

Trying to find your own independence while also finding a personal sense of joy and peace is a daunting prospect for anyone, not just those on the autism spectrum. Katims, whose own autistic son is the same age as the “As We See It” characters, recognises this and capitalises on it to make “As We See It” one of the most promising shows of the new year.

AS WE SEE IT- A REVIEW

“As We See It” is “inspired by” the very popular award-winning Israeli series “On the Spectrum,” which is now available on the platform of HBO Max. These two shows naturally share similarities. In the original one, the three main characters (who go by different names) are also roommates who are struggling for their independence, and many of the points of the plot  overlap. On the other hand, tone and perspective is something that distinguishes the two shows.

“On the Spectrum” is noticeably darker and heavier. That is not to say that “As We See It” does not address complex and difficult topics. It is just that the approach of this show is noticeably lighter and is more engaging and involving, inviting its viewers along for the ride instead of keeping them at bay as voyeurs.

as we see it amazon prime
ImageCredit: PrimeVideo

Jack played by Rick Glassman is the computer technician, seems to be the most self-sufficient of the three. However, as the show reveals, he proves to be extremely reliant on his father played by Joe Mantegna, who is growing older day by day and wants to ensure that his son can stand on his own. However,  main issue of Jack is a lack of interpersonal skills, which makes him appear unapproachable.

Harrison (Albert Rutecki) is not at all bothered by a lack of friendliness because he seems to be too afraid to go outside to find out. Meanwhile, Violet (Sue Ann Pien) is social enough for all of them but is obsessed with having a boyfriend and leading a “normal” life that involves sex.

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Her such incredible openness and her trusting nature quickly gets her into trouble in a world that isn’t always as kind as it should be. Most notably, all three lead actors identify as being on the autism spectrum, avoiding the criticism that has dogged previous shows. Hopefully, their heartfelt and complex performances will open up more opportunities for other actors on the spectrum.

as we see it amazon prime
ImageCredit: PrimeVideo

Mandy (Sosie Bacon), their life coach, is assisting them in reaching their objectives. She gets far more personally involved than most in her position, especially as a young woman in a serious relationship pursuing a career as a doctor. Bacon, a “13 Reasons Why” alum who was most recently seen as Carrie Layden in HBO’s Emmy-winning limited series “Mare of Easttown,” portrays Mandy masterfully, drawing comparisons to Helen Keller’s teacher and companion Anne Sullivan.

Mantegna hits the very right note as Jack’s father, who wonders if his son will be self-sufficient enough to live without him — a parental concern that isn’t limited to parents of disabled children. Violet’s brother Van, played by Chris Pang (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “Palm Springs”), on the other hand, appears determined to keep his sister and only living relative hidden. Their power struggles produce some of the most engaging, if not hilarious, exchanges. Harrison’s family, on the other hand, prefers to love from a distance.

Katims demonstrates exactly why he has been such a memorable figure in television by putting entertainment value front and centre through universal themes. “As We See It,” like “Parenthood” and “Friday Night Lights,” starts with heart and introduces characters that viewers will root for to win. It’s a winning formula for great television that also promotes change and equity.

as we see it amazon prime
ImageCredit: PrimeVideo

As We See It strikes a good balance between making you laugh and making you cry a little. You never forget that the show is trying to make you feel “all the feels,” as the kids say, but the pandering and mawkishness is kept to a minimum. It doesn’t want to be revelatory; it just wants to be sincere, and I believe it succeeds in that regard.